What is the population of Lisbon?
Lisbon has a city population of 517,802. That is the population within the city's own boundary, not its wider metropolitan area. City population, GeoNames.
Capital city · Portugal · Europe
Lisbon
City population
517,802
#1
in Portugal
#1
in Lisbon
#1,098
worldwide
38.725, -9.150
About Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, with 550,000 residents and 2.9 million in the metro area. One of Western Europe's oldest cities, Lisbon cascades over seven hills facing the Tagus River. The city has transformed from post-imperial decline to one of Europe's hottest destinations, known for its light, tiles (azulejos), fado music, and reinvented cultural scene.
Metro population
2,986,000
0.036% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
+0.18%
Archive estimateDensity
1,008/km²
2,962 km² metro area
Key Facts
Country
Region
Rank in region
#1of 51
Leadership
Carlos Moedas
Coordinates
38.725, -9.150
Record updated
23 February 2026
Entry edited, not measured
City population, GeoNames. GeoNames publishes no year for its population figures, so “record updated” is when the entry was last edited — not the date the population was measured. Elevation is modelled from a digital elevation model rather than surveyed, so it is approximate.
Compared with the World's Largest Cities
City-proper population against the fifteen largest cities in the dataset.
| Name | City population |
|---|---|
| Shanghai | 24.9M |
| Beijing | 19M |
| Shenzhen | 17.5M |
| Guangzhou | 16.1M |
| Kinshasa | 16M |
| Istanbul | 15.7M |
| Lagos | 15.4M |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 14M |
| Chengdu | 13.6M |
| Lahore | 13M |
| Mumbai | 12.7M |
| São Paulo | 12.4M |
| Mexico City | 12.3M |
| Karachi | 11.6M |
| Tianjin | 11.1M |
| Lisbon | 518K |
Airports
Scheduled-service airports within 100 km, nearest first.
- Lisbon Humberto Delgado AirportLIS
6 km from the city centre
- Cascais AirportCAT
18 km from the city centre
Source: OurAirports, matched by distance.
History
Lisbon has been inhabited for over 3,000 years—Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and Portuguese have ruled. The Age of Discovery (15th-16th centuries) made Lisbon one of the world's richest cities. The 1755 earthquake devastated it, leading to Enlightenment-era reconstruction. Salazar's dictatorship (1926-1974) ended with the Carnation Revolution. EU membership (1986) brought modernization.
Economy
Lisbon is Portugal's economic center, generating about 45% of national GDP. Key sectors include tourism (major growth), tech startups (Web Summit relocated here), services, and port activities. Foreign investment has surged. Cost of living was historically low but has risen sharply. The city attracts digital nomads and remote workers.
Culture
Lisbon's culture is defined by saudade (melancholic longing), expressed through fado music (UNESCO heritage). Azulejo tiles cover buildings. The city has reinvented neighborhoods (LX Factory), vibrant nightlife (Bairro Alto), and excellent cuisine (pastéis de nata, seafood, wine). Street art thrives. The light and views over terracotta rooftops are magical.
Transportation
Lisbon Metro has four lines. Iconic trams (especially 28) navigate hills. Buses and ferries serve the city. Lisbon Portela Airport is Portugal's main hub. Trains connect to Porto and Spain. The city is hilly and walkable with effort. Santa Justa Elevator is both transport and attraction.
Current Challenges
Lisbon faces severe housing affordability crisis driven by tourism, foreign investment, and golden visas—locals are being priced out. Overtourism strains infrastructure. Gentrification displaces traditional communities. Infrastructure needs updating. Unemployment, though improved, remains a concern. The city is earthquake-prone.
Highlights
Landmarks & Attractions
- Belém Tower (UNESCO)
- Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO)
- Praça do Comércio
- Alfama district
- Tram 28
- LX Factory
- Castelo de São Jorge
- Time Out Market
- Miradouros (viewpoints)
What Lisbon Is Known For
- Fado music
- Pastéis de nata
- Tiles (azulejos)
- Light
- Hills
- Age of Discovery
Universities
- University of Lisbon
- Nova University Lisbon
- ISCTE
Sports Teams
- Benfica
- Sporting CP (football)
Interesting Facts
- Lisbon is older than Rome by about 400 years
- The 1755 earthquake was one of history's deadliest
- Pastéis de nata (custard tarts) were created by monks in Belém
- Lisbon has over 100 viewpoints (miradouros)
- Tram 28 dates from the 1930s
- Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001
Population Trend in Portugal
No free source publishes city population back to 1950, so the parent country's series is shown instead.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 8,418,877 |
| 1960 | 8,873,218 |
| 1970 | 8,669,523 |
| 1980 | 9,763,624 |
| 1990 | 9,989,524 |
| 2000 | 10,283,204 |
| 2010 | 10,578,660 |
| 2020 | 10,370,519 |
| 2030 | 10,317,927 |
| 2040 | 10,082,255 |
| 2050 | 9,770,271 |
| 2060 | 9,395,885 |
| 2070 | 9,060,610 |
| 2080 | 8,868,424 |
| 2090 | 8,804,663 |
| 2100 | 8,753,987 |
Lisbon Population FAQ
Where is Lisbon?
Lisbon is in Lisbon, Portugal. Its coordinates are 38.725, -9.150.
How big is Lisbon compared with other cities in Portugal?
It is the 1st largest of the 173 cities listed in Portugal, holding 4.8% of the national population.